Business Details
42 Years
experience
Preserving Agricultural Heritage in Crown Point, IN
Founded in 1984, our organization preserves agricultural history through educational exhibits and community engagement. We operate as a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring and demonstrating antique farm equipment, hosting annual festivals, and providing hands-on learning experiences. Our team of dedicated members and part-time volunteers cultivates 10+ acres of land using restored machinery to demonstrate historical farming practices. We host monthly meetings to guide operations and welcome community participation in our mission.Our annual Vintage Tractor and Farm Festival showcases working exhibits, antique vehicles, and educational demonstrations while fostering intergenerational connections. Through data-driven approaches and community partnerships, we create lasting educational value by maintaining agricultural heritage for future generations. Our initiatives include youth programs, equipment preservation, and collaborative projects with local organizations to strengthen community ties.
Services
Historical Preservation
Annual Festival
Educational Exhibits
Tractor Demonstrations
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We preserve agricultural history through hands-on demonstrations since 1984
- Our annual festival features working antique farm equipment exhibits
- Volunteer-led organization with deep local community connections
- Educational programs combine historical preservation with modern engagement
- Monthly meetings ensure transparent, community-driven operations
Services
Historical Preservation
We preserve agricultural history through equipment restoration, artifact collection, and educational programming. Our team maintains antique tractors, farm implements, and historical displays for public education. This work ensures future generations understand agricultural development's impact on society.
Annual Festival
Our July festival features working exhibits, tractor demonstrations, and family activities. Visitors experience historical farming methods through live demonstrations and interactive displays. The event supports our educational mission while celebrating agricultural heritage.
Educational Programs
We provide hands-on learning through equipment demonstrations, school field trips, and youth engagement activities. Programs teach agricultural history's significance to modern practices. Our initiatives connect classroom learning with real-world historical applications.
Community Outreach
Monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities foster community involvement in historical preservation. We collaborate with local organizations for joint projects and educational initiatives. Our outreach strengthens connections between historical preservation and modern agricultural practices.
Equipment Restoration
Volunteers restore and maintain antique farm equipment for operational exhibits. This work preserves mechanical knowledge and demonstrates technological evolution. Restored equipment forms the core of our educational demonstrations and festival displays.
People
Perry McLemore
President
Serving as president since 2023, Perry leads our preservation efforts with decades of agricultural experience. He coordinates volunteer teams and oversees festival operations. His leadership maintains our commitment to historical accuracy and educational value.
Pam Heick
Vice President
Vice President Pam Heick manages organizational operations and community partnerships. She coordinates educational programs and volunteer recruitment efforts. Her work strengthens our connections with local schools and historical organizations.
Lori Zemaitis
Treasurer
Treasurer Lori Zemaitis oversees financial operations and manages festival ticketing systems. She coordinates food vendor relations and membership programs. Her financial stewardship ensures sustainable growth for preservation initiatives.
Irene Doty
Registrar/Historian
Registrar Irene Doty maintains historical records and artifact collections. She documents organizational history and curates educational displays. Her archival work preserves our institutional memory and agricultural heritage knowledge.
Julie Fritz
General/Exhibitors Contact
Julie Fritz coordinates exhibitor relations and manages general inquiries. She facilitates equipment demonstrations and visitor engagement programs. Her outreach efforts ensure diverse participation in our educational initiatives.
Questions
When is the annual Vintage Tractor and Farm Festival?
The festival occurs annually the second weekend in July at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, Indiana.
What are festival admission prices?
Admission is $8 per person for ages 10+, with children under 10 admitted free.
Are there activities for children?
Yes! We offer pony rides, bounce houses, tractor pulls, crafts, and educational demonstrations for children.
Can I bring a golf cart to the festival?
Golf carts are permitted but must be registered at the festival's registration desk upon arrival.
How can I get involved with the organization?
We welcome volunteers, exhibitors, and donors. Contact us through our website or phone for involvement opportunities.